District 9

Title: District 9
Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, John Summer
Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hour. 53 minutes
Release Date: August 14th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: If there is one movie I would recommend seeing in the theaters this summer, it is definitely 'District 9'. So far, it is one of my favorite movies of the year, and it currently resides firmly at the top of my "Must See" list.

So what is so great about 'District 9'? The story is unique, the acting (by, to me, mostly unknown actors) is great, the camera work is brilliantly realistic (for a film about freaking aliens on earth!) and the story line's parallels to both past & current civil rights issues is interesting. I found myself completely engrossed in this film, deeply disturbed by the unjust violence, and by the end, very much cheering for a happy alien ending.

Do not miss 'District 9'!

Grade: 9.5

Inglorious Basterds

Title: Inglorious Basterds
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Mike Myers, Michael Fassbenderr, Diane Kruger, Daniel Bruhl, Til Schweiger, Melanie Laurent, B.J. Novak, Samm Levine
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Adaptation, Politics/Religion, War
Running Time: 2 hour. 32 minutes
Release Date: August 21st, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: I've been looking forward to Tarantino's new film for quite some time, and with that comes some expectations. Then, as it came out, I read reviews saying things like "Tarantino's best since Pulp Fiction" and of course, my expectations grew a little bit higher.

And 'Beasterds' is a good film; both the Husband & I really enjoyed it. It is definitely a Tarantino film, there is no doubt about that. It has all the classic Tarantino ingredients; the humor, the gore, the interlaced story lines, the time line, and the look. But to say that it is groundbraking a la vintage Tarantino is definitely to say too much. The main reason? It has been done before. But it is definitely still entertaining. Just not shocking.

If you enjoy Tarantino's work, I would say see it on the big screen. Otherwise, catch it on DVD.

Grade: 8